Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Monday, October 10, 2016
Sunday, October 9, 2016
Education for Veterans Counselors
The Importance of Veterans Counselors
Professional counselors are skilled in working with various populations of clients. Among these populations of clients is a group in special need of assistance: our veterans. Veterans have specific needs. Many have returned from combat with significant injuries or stress-related illnesses. Some have developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or other trauma-related disorders as a result of the harsh and tumultuous experiences during war. Many veterans have to deal with the added tragedy and challenge of losing close friends and colleagues. Often, veterans can experience guilt as a result of their war experience and long term feelings of being distraught. Veterans counselors are often the most important line of defense in protecting veterans from the horrific possibilities of severe depression and suicide.
Another area in which veterans counselors can help veterans is in the area of helping them to find civilian employment. Readjusting to “mainstream society” is a big challenge for our veterans. Veterans counselors are in the unique and highly qualified position of helping those who have helped us so much.
Some of the important areas in which veterans counselors can help our veterans:
- Vocational and rehabilitation counseling
- Readjustment counseling
- Treating mental illness such as conditions of PTSD
Veterans counselors are important advocates for veterans and their families. Imagine working with children of veterans. Veterans counselors often work with spouses who have had to deal with separation anxiety and other issues surrounding the spouse they love. Areas in which veterans counselors may work:
- Private clinics
- Government settings
- The Veterans Administration
- Universities
Education for Veterans Counselors
Counselors are encouraged to pursue at least a Master’s degree in order expand their employment options and gain the most professional clout possible. Often, the Mental Health Counseling emphasis and Rehabilitation Counseling emphasis are the best viable options for specializing in order to properly take one in the direction of the career. Talk to school administrators to ensure that you are on the right path.
The following are notable programs for veteran counselors:
Authorities in the profession have suggested that a mental health counseling program is the best choice for individuals who are interested in working with veterans who are suffering from PTSD or other serious psychiatric issues. For an individual to work as a Veterans Administration mental health counselor, he or she must attain graduation from a program that is accredited by CACREP(The Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs). For the latest and greatest news on occupational guidelines, keep an eye on the VA site.
Veterans counselors can also take continuing education courses though organizations such as the National Center for PTSD. This worthwhile organization offers many relevant topics to explore in depth on the website.
Licensing and Certification
Mental health counselors and rehabilitation counselors are usually licensed in all 50 states. In some of those states, both are eligible (with the right qualifications) for the Licensed Professional Counselor designation. The Certified Rehabilitation Counselor credential is another option that many consider highly desirable and sought out by employers. Remember, the more education you get, the better the potential for your long term career!
Career Potential
The U.S. government provides funds for services to assist returning veterans in need of special services (which are often in the realm of counseling). The salary range of a veterans counselor, based on data offered from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, is in the realm of $32,000 to $38,000 for those with the specialties of mental health counselors and rehabilitation counselors. As The United States continues to have a need to provide services for our returning veterans, there will be a growing need for Veterans Counselors. This is a highly rewarding sector of the counseling profession!
Education for Suicide Counselors
What are Suicide Counselors?
Suicide Counselors are needed who are specially trained in helping individuals struggling with thoughts of suicide. Also, counselors are needed who can help those grieving the loss of someone who has committed suicide.
While all counselors need at least some quality training in counseling individuals who are at risk of suicide, some counselors specialize in suicide counseling. Suicide counseling encompasses counseling those who are at risk of committing suicide, including those clients who have actually attempted suicide. Counseling survivors of attempted suicides is as important as counseling families of loved ones who have died by suicide. Family members and close friends of suicide victims can be left with profound feelings of guilt and loss. Suicide counselors help prevent future suicides and can help anyone who is going through the grief of losing someone to suicide.
The Special Skills of Suicide Counselors
Mental health counselors may employ various forms of therapy to assist their clients in this category. Every client is different. The counselor’s goal is to tailor-make a therapy plan that is in accord with each patient’s needs.
Mental health counselors can effectively develop safety plans for those clients who are high risk for suicide. Ensuring safety is the top priority in these cases.
Suicide can occur in populations that are not traditionally known for mental illness. Extreme life events or intense grief can precipitate a suicide attempt. There was a recent case in which a man, whose wife had died a tragic death, committed suicide due to his grief. Young people who have been bullied by peers are also at risk for suicide.
Many times there is a correlation between suicides, or attempted suicides, and major mental illnesses. Counselors who work with these populations should have a strong understanding of their clients’ thought patterns and risk factors. An example is that those with a diagnosis of Bipolar disorder can be at higher risk for suicide. Counselors work best when they are well-versed in various diagnoses and the risks affiliated with each one.
Suicide Counselor Options
Mental health counseling requires a graduate degree. Students may enroll in a 60 unit CACREP-accredited mental health counseling program or a program in a closely related field. Counseling psychology is another viable option.
Suicide and mental health counselors must have a graduate degree. Undergraduate majors, such as Psychology, Social Work, and Human Services, are appropriate starts.
Counselors who want to acquire advanced skills and contribute to the collective body of knowledge often pursue doctoral degrees. There are sometimes opportunities to conduct research or carry out special projects at the Master’s level. There is a very beneficial organization, The American Association of Suicidology, that provides students a chance to intern. Psychology and Social Work are logical places to start for undergraduate majors; both are logical preliminary studies for this line of work. Aspiring counselors have the option of working at crisis hotlines or with individuals in the community. Getting the right volunteer training can bolster your application materials and give you real world experience to convince you that this is the right field for you.
Counselors are well-advised to remain aware of continuing education opportunities in suicide prevention and counseling. The more education you get, the more options you will have in your career. The American Association of Suicidology is recognized as a CE provider by the National Board for Certified Counselors.
The Suicide Prevention Resource Center has a wealth of resources for professionals who may work with the at-risk population.
Licensing
Mental health counselors and other mental health providers are state licensed. In order to be licensed at the highest level, these counselors must complete a period of supervised work experience. One or more licensing exams will be required.
Salary and Career Outlook
According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics the average mental health counselor earns between $36,570 and $69,900 per year.
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